Page 16 - 26 A Work of Reform

had no ground to expect Him in their day.

“Let no man deceive you by any means” (2

Thessalonians 2:3), are his words of warning.

Should they indulge expectations that were

not sanctioned by the Scriptures, they would

be led to a mistaken course of action;

disappointment would expose them to the

derision of unbelievers, and they would be in

danger of yielding to discouragement and

would be tempted to doubt the truths

essential for their salvation. The apostle's

admonition to the Thessalonians contains an

important lesson for those who live in the

last days. Many Adventists have felt that

unless they could fix their faith upon a

definite time for the Lord's coming, they

could not be zealous and diligent in the work

of preparation. But as their hopes are again

and again excited, only to be destroyed, their

faith receives such a shock that it becomes